PM Anwar Ibrahim calls for maximum restraint and dialogue after armed clashes break out along the Thailand-Cambodia border, offering Malaysia’s support
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint following reports of armed clashes along their common border.
In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed deep concern over the reports and offered condolences to the families of those killed or injured.
He stressed that Malaysia stood ready to support steps to restore calm and avert further incidents.
The Prime Minister noted that Thailand and Cambodia were close partners of Malaysia and key members of ASEAN.
“The renewed fighting risks unravelling the careful work that has gone into stabilising relations between the two neighbours,” he said.
Anwar stated that the region could not afford to see long-standing disputes slip into cycles of confrontation.
He called for maintaining open channels of communication and making full use of existing mechanisms.
“The immediate priority is to halt the fighting, safeguard civilians and return to a diplomatic path supported by international law and the neighbourly spirit on which ASEAN depends,” he added.
Earlier, international media reported that Thailand had launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia.
At least one Thai soldier was killed and four were wounded in the fresh clashes.
The fighting broke out around two areas in Thailand’s easternmost province of Ubon Ratchathani. – Bernama
